Kerry Washington Responds to InStyle Skin-Lightening Controversy

Kerry Washington graces the March cover of InStyle, but fans are accusing the magazine of lightening the Scandal star's skin.

InStyle denies purposefully lightening Washington's skin, but acknowledges that the lighting on the set of the photo shoot likely contributed to that appearance.

"We are super fans of Kerry Washington here at InStyle," the magazine said in a statement. "To feature her on the cover of our March spring fashion issue is both an honor and a delight.

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"We have heard from those who have spoken out about our newsstand cover photograph, concerned that Kerry's skin tone was lightened. While we did not digitally lighten Kerry's skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern.

"We understand that this has resulted in disappointment and hurt," the statement continued. "We are listening, and the feedback has been valuable. We are committed to ensuring that this experience has a positive influence on the ways in which we present all women going forward."

Washington added on Twitter: "Beautiful statement. Thank u 4 opening this convo. Its an important 1 that needs to be had."

This is not the first time a magazine has come under fire for potentially lightening a star's skin. Washington had even been through it before last year when she was deemed unrecognizable on the cover of Lucky.

What do you think of the InStyle cover?

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